CVA Military Service Records & Documentation

Question 1

What document serves as the primary official record of a veteran's military service, including discharge characterization?

Accepted Answer

DD Form 214

Answer

DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the primary official document summarizing a veteran's military service, including dates, character of discharge, and decorations.

Question 2

Which agency is the primary repository for military service records for veterans who separated before 1994?

Accepted Answer

National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)

Answer

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri, is the primary federal repository for military personnel records, especially for veterans who separated before 1994.

Question 3

What form is used to request military service records from the National Personnel Records Center?

Accepted Answer

SF 180

Answer

Standard Form 180 (SF 180) is the official form used to request military personnel records, including the DD 214, from the National Personnel Records Center.

Question 4

What does the character of discharge on a DD Form 214 affect regarding VA benefits eligibility?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for most VA benefits and programs

Answer

The character of discharge determines eligibility for most VA benefits — discharges other than honorable may bar access to VA healthcare, compensation, education, and other programs.

Question 5

Which type of discharge characterization generally makes a veteran ineligible for VA benefits?

Accepted Answer

Other Than Honorable (OTH)

Answer

An Other Than Honorable (OTH) discharge generally bars a veteran from receiving VA benefits, though veterans may request a discharge upgrade or character of discharge determination.

(CVA) Certified Veterans Advocate Practice Test

(CVA) Certified Veterans Advocate Practice Test

CVA Military Service Records & Documentation